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Install a GFCI Outlet

⏱️45 min💰$15–25🟢Intermediate4.7 (189 reviews)

Required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors. Protects against shock and is straightforward DIY.

Kill the breaker

Verify with a voltage tester at the existing outlet.

Identify line vs load wires

GFCI outlets have LINE terminals (power in) and LOAD terminals (power out to other outlets). Check with a tester to find the LINE.

Wire the LINE terminals

Hot (black) and neutral (white) from incoming power go to the LINE side. Ground goes to the green screw.

Wire LOAD only if needed

If other downstream outlets depend on this one, connect their wires to LOAD terminals. Otherwise, cap them off.

Test

Restore power, press TEST (should cut power), press RESET (should restore). Plug in a tester to verify.

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